(This recipe was originally published in May 2012. It has been updated for content and photos.)
Mom’s Mandarin Orange Salad
We grew up eating my Mom’s Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe a lot and I never realized the difference between this dressing and other similar salad dressings. The dressing on this Mandarin Orange Salad is unlike any other I’ve tried and it is so unbelievably easy!
I love how light and fresh it is. This salad takes just a few ingredients and requires fairly minimal preparation time. Perfect addition to a Sunday meal or to bring along to a party.
What goes well with mandarin oranges?
The great thing about mandarin oranges is that they pair well with many things. You can add them to sweet dishes like this 4-Ingredient Cherry Dump Salad or into a savory dish like this Mandarin Orange Salad.
Not to mention adding them to Jello dishes and so many other great things. They have such wonderful flavor and texture.
How do you make this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe?
Here’s how easy this salad is to make:
#1 – In a small pan over medium heat, heat almonds and sugar, stirring constantly until almonds are coated and sugar is dissolved.
Watch carefully!! They will burn easily!
These smell amazing, by the way! Set aside to cool and store in an airtight container until ready to mix with salad.
#2 – Mix the ingredients for the dressing. I use a mason jar so that I can shake it all together and store in the refrigerator.
#3 – Chop up your lettuces, celery and green onions.
#4 – Throw everything except the dressing, toasted almonds and oranges into a large bowl and mix together.
Just before serving, add almonds and oranges and drizzle with dressing. Toss to coat and serve!
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think of it! It is definitely a family favorite I make all of the time!
If you love salads as much as I do, you’ll love these recipes:
Spinach Salad with Avocado, Berries and Honey Vinaigrette
Grilled Cobb Salad with Avocado Dressing
Mandarin Salad Ingredients
Ingredients
Mandarin Orange Salad Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. sliced almonds
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 c. celery diced
- 1 11 oz. can mandarin oranges drained
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1/2 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 whole green onions diced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/8 tsp. ground pepper
- 2 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 dash Tobasco sauce (or other hot sauce)
Instructions
- In a small pan over medium heat, heat almonds and sugar, stirring constantly until almonds are coated and sugar is dissolved. Watch carefully!! They will burn easily!
- Set almonds aside to cool on a piece of parchment paper and then store in an airtight container until ready to mix with salad.
- Mix the dressing ingredients together. I use a jar so that I can shake it all together and store in the refrigerator.
- Dice the celery and green onions and chop the romaine and iceberg lettuces.
- Throw everything except the oranges, almonds and dressing into a bowl and mix together. Just before serving, add almonds and oranges and drizzle with dressing. Toss to coat and serve!
oooh yummy!! i love a mandarin orange in a salad and those nuts give it an added crunch!!
sounds delicious!
Yummy! I love mandarin oranges in salad and those almonds look so good just to even snack on.
I’ve always had a fascination with canned mandarin oranges.. something that good shouldn’t come out of a can. I love this type of salad. Please share this on my foodie friday party today.
This look fabulous! I featured it on my 12 super summer salad round-up. Come check it out! Thanks for all you do! xo-Brook
http://cookandcraftmecrazy.blogspot.com/2013/05/12-super-summer-sides-round-up.html
This looks very refreshing. Thanks for sharing at Foodie Friends Friday please link back at http://www.foodiefriendsfriday.com/
This is MY mom’s mandarin orange salad too! We call it Caryl’s California Salad. The only difference is that she used red leaf lettuce instead of the romaine, and she toasted her almonds under the broiler without the sugar. I like the sugared almonds idea. I am going to try it! Thanks!
I had my doubts about the salad, but tried it anyway. Both my husband and I LOVE IT! Thank you for a great recipe. Will definitely use this one over and over.
Yay! I’m so happy you liked it!
Love this salad! I make it often just like it is. I have also added a little bacon to it at some of our parties and it is great for a girls pool luncheon with grilled chicken breast and a glass of wine wine! Yum! Everyone loves this salad! I have been making it for a couple of years now but never commented. Making tomorrow for Easter and I just had to take the time to let you know how much I like it. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so happy you like it! It’s one of my favorites!
Wonderful salad for my ladies ChristmasSunday School Party.. Low calorie…….
What kind of oil and what kind of vinegar do you use?
Hi Val! I use canola or vegetable oil and white vinegar. Thanks for the question!
Could you use Olive Oil or Grape seed oil since I can not use vegetable or canola oil? Otherwise it looks delicious! Can’t wait to make this if I can change the oil ingredient. Thank you. Bea
Hi Betty! Yes, you can use olive or grapeseed oil in the dressing instead of vegetable oil. I hope you try it. It’s so good!